BILOXI, Miss., July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Jay Leno, America's late night leader for nearly two decades as host of the #1 rated "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," has announced he will perform a benefit for Mississippians impacted by the Gulf oil spill.

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Stand Up for the Gulf Coast: A Special Evening with Jay Leno to Benefit the Gulf Coast Community Foundation will take place Saturday, August 21 at 8 p.m. in the Beau Rivage Theatre. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Gulf Coast Community Foundation's Mississippi Oil Spill Recovery Fund, established to benefit and support nonprofit organizations working to help Mississippi Gulf Coast communities, individuals and wildlife impacted by the oil spill. The fund not only provides emergency grants to nonprofit organizations helping the victims of the oil spill, but it helps address the long-term economic, environmental, cultural effects of the disaster and strengthen coastal communities against future environmental catastrophes by investing in solutions.

"It's great to be able to do shows like this," said Mr. Leno. "We did it for flood victims in Iowa; we did it for auto workers in Detroit; we did it for victims of Katrina and others. We tell a few jokes and help out people."

"Not only is Jay one of the country's premier comedians, he and his wife Mavis are incredibly generous people," said George P. Corchis, Jr., president and chief operating officer of MGM Resorts International's Mississippi Operations, which includes Beau Rivage in Biloxi and the Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica. "Even though he is one of America's favorite and busiest TV personalities, he remains passionate about performing in front of live audiences and enjoys helping those in need. We are honored to have him grace our stage and host a post-performance meet & greet cocktail reception for his fans - all to benefit oil spill victims in the region."

Following in the footsteps of legendary NBC late-night hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, Jay Leno began serving as the host of the Emmy Award-winning and top-rated "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" in 1992. Leno has created his own unique late-night style with a combination of humor, talk and entertainment. His outstanding and engaging combination enabled "The Tonight Show" to capture its timeslot for a remarkable 15 consecutive years, while making the show one of the most valuable properties not just for NBC but in all of television.

Indeed, Jay's "everyman" style and personality have helped him earn millions of fans worldwide, people who relate to his personable style and work ethic. He has been touted as one of the nicest people in show business and the hardest-working -- a winning tandem for the man who says "Anyone can have a life - careers are hard to come by!"

Tickets for the benefit are $40, $80 and $150 each, plus tax. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Beau Rivage Ticket Office at (888) 566-7469 or visiting www.beaurivage.com or www.ticketmaster.com. The $150 tickets include an exclusive Jay Leno meet & greet reception with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails and are only available for purchase through the Beau Rivage Ticket Office at (888) 566-7469. Beau Rivage is extending a special Jay Leno Benefit room rate for guests who book before August 14. For hotel reservations, call (888) 767-5687 and mention offer code "Leno show."

"The Gulf Coast Community Foundation is deeply honored to be a part of this wonderful event and is uniquely positioned to serve our community," said Rich Westfall, Gulf Coast Community Foundation president. "We are excited to have the opportunity to administer the funds through the Gulf Coast Community Foundation Mississippi Oil Spill Recovery Fund in a way that is consistent with the wishes of Jay Leno to lessen the impact of human needs created by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill."

For those unable to attend the benefit but interested in making a donation to the Mississippi Oil Spill Recovery Fund, please visit www.mgccf.org or call (228) 897-4841.

ABOUT THE GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION:

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation is a non-profit public charity that has been serving the people of South Mississippi since 1989. The Foundation's primary mission is to increase philanthropy by making grants to worthy causes, providing donor services and promotion and providing leadership in response to the community's changing needs. The Foundation meets this mission by developing and managing a comprehensive base of funds, totaling almost $32 million dollars. These funds represent an expanding pool of charitable dollars, committed to meeting the needs of the people of South Mississippi. If you are interested in supporting your local community through the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, you can make a donation by calling (228) 897-4841 or by sending donations to GCCF, 11975 Seaway Road, Suite B150, Gulfport, MS 39503.

ABOUT BEAU RIVAGE:

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, named one of the top 100 hotels in the continental United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure, is located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The resort features 1,740 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, 10 restaurants, four nightclubs and bars, a 1,550-seat theatre, an upscale shopping promenade, a world-class spa & salon and Fallen Oak, a Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course. Beau Rivage is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International, one of the world's leading global hospitality companies. For more information or to make reservations, call (888) 56-ROOMS or visit www.beaurivage.com.

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